Report of the Planning Committee
to University Council
Jan. 25, 2001
Items for Action
1. Priority Determination Project
The Committee recommends that Council approve the following motion:
That the proposal Indigenous Peoples and Justice Initiative be endorsed in principle as the basis for
establishing an additional priority area for the University of Saskatchewan as defined in A Priority
Determination Process for the University of Saskatchewan.
The background for this project is explained in the Appendix One, the Priority Determination Process
Selection Committee’s report to the Planning Committee. The Selection Committee also recommended that the
Priority Determination process be concluded. The Planning Committee intends to discuss this motion at the
February meeting of Council.
Please note that the programs in this proposal will still require approval by the Colleges concerned, and
by Council.
2. Student Outcomes Survey
In its report to the November 16, 2000, meeting of Council, the Planning Committee provided Council
members with a presentation on the Student Outcomes survey. The Committee noted at that time that it
intended to consider whether such a study should be carried out on a scheduled basis. As the first study of this
type, the study cost approximately $45,000.
On Dec. 18, 2000, the Committee sponsored a workshop on the Student Outcomes study, attended by a
number of representatives from other Council committees, colleges and departments, including several faculty
whose background and research interests include social science statistical analysis. The Workshop concluded
that the study was very useful to the university as a whole in areas of accountability and program review. The
data was useful to larger colleges and units, and its usefulness will increase for smaller units if additional
studies can be done so that figures can be aggregated. It was agreed that such a study should be done regularly
so that data can be accumulated on a consistent basis. It was also suggested that colleges and units could
participate in developing questions for future surveys. It was noted that Statistics Canada is now doing Canadawide surveys of graduates following two years and five years from graduation. It was felt that data for five
years after graduation would likely be appropriate for the University of Saskatchewan., considering the number
of graduates who now continue with additional study. It was agreed that surveying these graduates every two
years,
rather than more frequently, would likely be sufficient to assist the university in such assessment as the impact
of program changes and new programs.
The Committee recommends that Council approve the following motion:
Considering the value of the Student Outcomes survey in areas of accountability and program review,
that the University Studies Group be responsible for completing a Student Outcomes study every two
years, and providing the results to Council.
-2 -
Planning Committee Report to Council
Jan. 25, 2001
Items for Information
College of Nursing Quota and NEPS Agreement
On February 17, 2000 Council asked the Planning Committee to review the NEPS agreement and report
back to Council. We did so at the April 20, 2000 meeting. The key issue in our report was a recommendation,
sent to the Academic Vice-President, which stated that "Section III.5 (Processing of Applications/Registration
of Students) should be reviewed, and possibly revised, to ensure that University Council retains its full power to
set and maintain admission quotas for the program." After discussions with Dean Horsburgh of Nursing on
January 16, 2001, we can report that the registration process is still not satisfactory but that progress continues
to be made.
At the April 20, 2000 meeting of Council we also reported that a recommendation from the Planning
Committee to Council for a change in the nursing quota would not be made without "an academic and financial
plan for the college" Such a plan was to be submitted by January 1, 2001.
For several reasons the College was unable to submit such a plan. The process of applying for funds has
not been completed and the College of Nursing is making preparations for the Systematic Program Review
process. The committee's discussions with Dean Horsburgh on January 16, 2001, have convinced us that the
college is developing a significantly different academic focus which is congruent with the Framework for
Planning and the Teacher-Scholar model and which can only enhance the reputation of the College and of the
university. Furthermore, there is now a clear understanding of the financial implications of changing the
quotas. We believe that the College of Nursing is now taking the proper steps for developing a coherent
academic and financial plan. Although a recommendation will have to be presented in the Spring of this year, it
seems only fair, in these circumstances, to wait until later in the year before making any recommendation to
Council.
Additional items
The Committee accepted with regret the resignation of Bob Hickie, who had to leave due to pressure of
other work.
Recently, the Committee has been discussing issues related to the Saskatchewan Universities Funding
Mechanism adjustment (formerly called the DesRosiers adjustment). It is expected that the province will
provide some additional funding to the University of Saskatchewan this spring, under the adjustment formula
which was recommended by Edward
DesRosiers in his review of funding between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Committee,
_______________________________________
Jene Porter, Chair
Committee members:
R.P. MacKinnon, President
M. Atkinson, Vice-President (Academic)
A.J. Whitworth, Vice-President (Finance
and Administration)
M. Corcoran, Vice-President (Research)
J. Wallace (USSU academic vice-president)
N. Hipkin (GSA president)
R. Thompson (Sessional Lecturer)
R.E. Bilson
S. Fowler-Kerry
D. Harris
G. Khachatourians
F. Leighton
P. Li
W.W.E. Slights
E.B. Waygood
B.L. Dubray, University Studies Group
P.M. Melis, Office of the Vice-President
(Academic)
C. Fornssler, Committee Coordinator, Office
of the University Secretary